Crispin Flintoff

All women shortlists are necessary and have already had a positive impact on gender balance in the parliamentary party.

But all women shortlists must be implemented in a consistent way. I would suggest that CLPs be invited to hold selections with all women shortlists and that, if this does not provide enough female candidates, then lots are drawn. This ensures that they are not seen as random and not something imposed by the NEC.

My main reason for standing as an NEC candidate is to bring more people into the Labour Party and I think all women shortlists are a necessary part of this.

Where there are more female representation it is likely that gender equality in all areas of life will be addressed.